Colonel James Riley Stone was the Canadian Army Provost Marshal (Military Police), when his young daughter Moira was afflicted with retinoblastoma, a genetically linked cancer of the retina. The cancer resulted in Moira’s blindness and subsequently, her death in 1949.

During his daughter’s illness, Col Stone came into contact with organizations that were struggling to help blind children. He became aware that there were many other blind children less fortunate than his daughter who were unable, through lack of money, to enjoy some of the simpler things in life. He was determined to help them, so he canvassed members of the Military Police, asking them to voluntarily contribute one or two dollars per year, and established a fund to help blind children.

From these humble beginnings, the Military Police Fund for Blind Children (MPFBC) was established.

“When Dad was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his establishment of the Military Police Fund for Blind Children, he said that he was more proud of this than any other accomplishment in his long and distinguished career. Every time I read an account in the paper of how a child has received a computer through the Fund or hospital equipment has been provided, I think of my sister, Moira, whose loving little heart was the source for all the good that has been done.” – Shelley Bouska (Stone), sister of Moira and daughter of Colonel Stone

One of the very notable aspects of the Fund is that it is run and managed by Military Police volunteers. Members of the Military Police, including other military and civilian community members, become personally involved in fundraising activities for the MPFBC. They involve themselves with the blind children, visit them in their schools, and invite them to Canadian Forces bases to learn more about the Canadian Armed Forces.

Volunteers from the Military Police continue to exercise stewardship in the Fund’s continued success. The Military Police Association Kit Shop supports the MPFBC through the sales of fund-branded items.

The Military Police National Motorcycle Relay

The Military Police National Motorcycle Relay (MPNMR) was founded in 2009 as a way to build comradery between Military Police motorcycle enthusiasts. It has grown to become a great supporter of charities, including MPFBC. The Relay is open to anyone (military or civilian) who wishes to join for a day, a province or the entire National Relay. The Relay is organized by a National Committee and Regional Committees in each province.

“I’m proud to join the many riders and supporters that are making 2018 one of the best relays yet. Rain or shine, we are committed to helping visually challenged children receive services and support that are financed annually by our fundraising.” Sergeant (Ret’d) Lamont French, 2018 MPNMR National Chairperson